Children's Home run by Oracle Care Limited in Bedford

Unique reference number SC389698 Inspection date 31/01/2012 Inspector Linda Leeder Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 08/11/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Brief description of the service

This home is registered to provide care and accommodation for two young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. A private organisation owns and operates this setting. The organisation provides a registered education facility which is based locally.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress.

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Progress

At the last inspection in November 2011, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good, with two requirements made. Progress has been made since the last inspection and most of the requirements have been met.

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Progress

A requirement was made in relation to the provision of reports by the independent person under Regulation 33 of The Children's Homes Regulations 2001. There was concern that the reports were not provided within appropriate timescales and on a regular basis. There have now been two reports made by the independent person since the last inspection; however they have not been submitted to HMCI. The Registered Manager recognises that it is essential that the reports are submitted. The Registered Manager has located where the delay lies in submitting these reports and has started to set up systems that will ensure the reports are now submitted in a timely manner.

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Progress

The registered persons were asked that a written record is made, in a volume kept for the purpose, of any measures of control, restraint or discipline. There were concerns about the lack of signatures and comments by young people. There have been no measures of control, restraint or discipline since the last inspection. However, the Registered Manager has ensured that staff know how to complete recording regarding measures of control. Staff have demonstrated that they have a satisfactory knowledge of the recording procedure that provides information to help with behaviour management and to ensure the safety of young people. The Registered Manager is to examine the cross referencing of the different systems that record incidents, including restraint, within the home. This is to ensure that clarity and safety continues to be a priority for young people.

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Progress

The home has made some progress since the last inspection. The home continues to provide good care and positive outcomes for young people.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) supply a copy of the report required to be made under paragraph (4) (c) to the HMCI. (Regulation 33 (5) (a)) 26/03/2012

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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